Annapurna Region

The Annapurna massif in north-central Nepal contains thirteen peaks above 7,000 metres, including Annapurna I: at 8,091 metres, the world's tenth highest mountain and historically the eight-thousander with the highest fatality rate among climbers.

Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 metres is accessible to any fit trekker in ten to twelve days from Pokhara. The route passes through sub-tropical forest, rhododendron groves that bloom red in March, terraced rice fields, Gurung and Magar villages where the Annapurna Conservation Area provides the economic alternative to deforestation.

The Annapurna Circuit, circumnavigating the entire massif via the Thorong La pass at 5,416 metres, is one of the great long walks of Asia, now more accessible by road in some sections but still taking two to three weeks end to end.

We work with private guide and porter teams from villages in the Annapurna area, ensure fair wages above TAAN minimum rates, and customise itineraries by fitness level and acclimatisation preference.

Since 2023, foreign trekkers in Nepal's national parks and conservation areas, including the Annapurna region, have generally been required to hire a licensed guide, and permits for the Annapurna Conservation Area and the trekkers' registration system must be arranged before starting. Rules have been adjusted since they were introduced, so check the current requirements when you plan.

Pokhara is the gateway to the region, a lakeside town around half an hour by air or six to eight hours by road from Kathmandu. On clear mornings, the peaks of the Annapurna range and the fishtail summit of Machapuchare are reflected in Phewa Lake. Sarangkot, a hill above the town, is the classic place for sunrise views, and paragliding from its slopes is one of the most popular activities in Nepal.

Beyond Base Camp and the Circuit, the region offers treks for every level. Poon Hill, reached in four or five days from Pokhara, has one of the finest sunrise panoramas in the Himalaya, taking in Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas, and is ideal for those with limited time. The Mardi Himal trek is quieter, following a ridge towards the base of Machapuchare. The Khopra Ridge and the community lodges along it offer a less-travelled route with fine views. Upper Mustang, a restricted area requiring a special permit, lies in the rain shadow north of the range, with a landscape and culture closer to Tibet.

The trails pass through Gurung villages such as Ghandruk and Chhomrong, with stone houses, terraced fields and small museums of local culture. Teahouses, simple lodges run by local families, provide meals and accommodation along the main routes, so camping is rarely necessary. Dal bhat, rice with lentils, vegetables and pickles, is the staple meal and is usually refilled for free.

Altitude is the main risk. Above 3,000 metres, it is important to ascend slowly, drink plenty of water and watch for headaches, nausea or breathlessness, and to descend if symptoms worsen. Travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation at high altitude is essential.

The best seasons are October to November, when the skies are clearest after the monsoon, and March to May, when rhododendrons bloom. Winter is cold at altitude, and high passes such as Thorong La can be closed by snow. The monsoon, from June to September, brings rain, leeches and cloud, though Upper Mustang remains dry.

A trek to Base Camp or around the Circuit takes two to three weeks including travel and acclimatisation, while shorter treks such as Poon Hill or Mardi Himal need about a week.